Nearing a month post trade deadline, many teams are gearing towards reaching the promised land with the players they acquired.
For other teams, however — with a tough new CBA when it comes to cap room and trade rules — they were unable to pick up additional players ahead of a playoff push. The post-deadline buyout market offers a fantastic opportunity for said teams to make a move.
In fact, it can be argued that for some teams this is a more important time of the year than the deadline. So with many different players and skillsets available, here are the top-four available free agents for contending teams right now.
1. Joe Harris
At one point, Harris was widely considered one of the most reliable long-range shooters in the game. Unfortunately, his career has been hampered by injuries, limiting his playing time to just one full season since 2021. One-dimensional players like him can struggle when their main strength falters.
Being waived by Detroit is a setback, and it’s likely that the demand for him on the market may be limited. It’s unclear how he navigates this challenging period in his career and if he can showcase his shooting skills once again in the future.
2. Killian Hayes
As the 7th overall pick in the 2020 draft, Hayes is just 22 years old, which provides him with the benefit of the doubt for his development potential.
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Despite struggling with poor shooting, he was given ample opportunities by the Pistons, starting 31 games this season before being released. While his future is still uncertain, there is still room for growth and improvement in his game.
The pressure is on for him to excel in his next opportunities, however, as patience may soon run out for him if he doesn’t show significant progress. It will be crucial for him to make the most of his next chance to prove his value in the NBA.
3. Cory Joseph
Despite his struggles, Joseph still possesses valuable traits as a quick and clever point guard with the potential to be a solid backup in the league.
The current market demand for point guards is low, however, which may limit his immediate options. If an opportunity arises for him after being released by Golden State, he stands a chance of receiving interest, potentially being the first call for a team in need of a point guard. It will be important for him to stay ready and showcase his skills whenever the opportunity presents itself to secure a spot on an NBA roster.
4. Furkan Korkmaz
Just a few years ago, Korkmaz was a valued rotational player for the Sixers, showing his skills and potential in the league.
However, the ever-changing landscape of the NBA proves that fortunes can shift quickly for players. Despite being released by Indiana, he still has value and the potential to contribute to a team in the right situation and fit. In a league where being in the right place at the right time is crucial, he will need to find the ideal opportunity to showcase his abilities and carve out a role for himself moving forward. With the right fit, he could once again prove his worth and make an impact in the league.
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